The word "baptize"
appears in the Bible 9 times.
The word "baptized" appears in the Bible 61 times.
The word "baptizest" appears in the Bible 1 time.
The word "baptizeth" appears in the Bible 2 times.
The word "baptizing" appears in the Bible 4 times.
This totals 77 times.
In addition, there are many other verses related to being
baptized in which these actual words do not appear.

2-CONFUSION
REGARDING BAPTISM

Some
churches today believe a person does not have to be baptized, while others believe
it is required for salvation. Some baptize by total immersion, and others believe
this is not necessary. Some baptize infants while others believe this
is wrong. There are even some that speak against water baptism.
There are some that speak against being baptized a second time, yet they themselves,
if they would travel to Israel and have the chance to be baptized in the Jordan
River, may run to be baptized a second or even a third time.
The answer lies not in a denomination, not in the traditions
of men, but in God’s Word only. Jesus warned us that the traditions of men make
God’s Word of none effect. In other words, Jesus was saying, the traditions
that you are doing are not from God’s Word, but are only of men; and being only
of men, you are causing people to perish by your traditions.
Why are there people that claim to be a Christian, but have
never been baptized in the manner that God's Word commands?
Reasons to consider:
1. Ignorant of what the Bible teaches about
water baptism. They may not have been biblically instructed.
2. Their church does not teach or practice
water baptism correctly; however, their allegiance to their church is such that
they choose not to depart.
3. Indifference, continue to put off making
a decision.
4. Pride, a lack of humbleness.
5. Stubbornness, rebellion against the
authority of God's Word. No one is going to tell them what to do.
6. Fear. They know they should, but
are afraid to go forward publicly.

3-THE
AUTHORITY MUST BE GOD’S WORD

The
authority we stand on MUST always be the Bible. The authority we stand on must
not be made of stories we create from events of the Bible, but solely upon the
Bible itself. It is only by the Word that we shall be judged; not by man’s opinion
of what they think the Word indicates. Satan is the originator of causing people
to say that God’s Word does not mean exactly what it says. Eve believed Satan’s
word over God’s and fell into sin. God had said she would surely die, if she
ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan first
caused doubt in her mind and then told her directly she would not surely die
by eating of the fruit. Satan put her in a position that her own emotions prompted
her to eat of the fruit of the tree. She sinned by disobeying God’s Word.
There are many fine preachers today that have fallen into
the traditions of men and thus, unknowingly, have not been teaching God’s Word
as they ought.

4-THERE
IS NO GRACE WITHOUT BELIEVING ON JESUS THERE IS NO GRACE WITHOUT REPENTANCE

5-FAITH
DOES NOT SAVE, IF TRUE REPENTANCE DOES NOT TAKE PLACE

In
Eph 2:8, we are told, FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT
NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.
Gal 3:2-RECEIVED YE THE SPIRIT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, OR
BY THE HEARING OF FAITH?
Gal 3:14-THAT THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM MIGHT COME ON THE GENTILES
THROUGH JESUS CHRIST; THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH
FAITH.
Eph 3:17-THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH.
We are saved by faith. Does this mean we are saved by faith
without repentance? Not at all. We must repent of our sins, or there is no salvation.
For it is written, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH-Lk 13:3. Does
this mean that we are saved by faith only, and we never need to confess Jesus
publicly? Not at all. We should confess that Jesus is the only Hope of our salvation
to everyone that asks us. If we are ashamed of Jesus, He will be ashamed of
us at the judgment.

6-BAPTISM
IS BY FULL IMMERSION

The
Greek word for "baptize" in the New Testament is "baptizo"
(bap-tid-zo). This means to make whelmed or to submerge,
i.e. "fully wet;" technique of the ordinance of Christian baptism;
to immerse or dip under water. Jesus was baptized fully wet. The disciples were
baptized fully wet. It is safe to say, if you have not been baptized by full
immersion, you have not been baptized by the technique of the ordinance
of Christian baptism. In baptism, we are identifying with Christ’s death and
resurrection.
Note the words in Ro 6:4-THEREFORE WE ARE BURIED WITH
HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH: THAT LIKE AS CHRIST WAS RAISED UP FROM THE DEAD
BY THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, EVEN SO WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.
Note the words: "BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM," or
"BURIED…BY BAPTISM." Most preachers would agree that baptism and water
go hand in hand. The word "water" may also be correctly substituted
in place of the word "baptism." Note the meaning that comes forth
when read this way: "buried…by water." The word "by" indicates
the method whereby we identify with Christ. How? - by baptism.
Col 2:12 gives us an almost identical wording. BURIED
WITH HIM IN BAPTISM, WHEREIN ALSO YE ARE RISEN WITH HIM THROUGH THE FAITH
OF THE OPERATION OF GOD, WHO HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD.
Note the words: "BURIED…IN BAPTISM" or "buried…in
water." Biblical baptism is by being "buried" in water. In other
words, baptism is by going into the water and being immersed. The word
"in" distinguishes the point in time that we are identifying with
Christ. When?—in baptism.Sprinkling baptism is no baptism at all. It is Satan’s
counterfeit.
Acts 8:38, 39-AND HE (Philip) COMMANDED THE CHARIOT TO STAND
STILL: AND THEY WENT DOWN INTO THE WATER, BOTH PHILIP AND THE EUNUCH; AND HE
BAPTIZED HIM. Note, they both went down into the water. There was
no pouring water upon the eunuch's head.
Mt 3:5-6-THEN WENT OUT TO HIM JERUSALEM, AND ALL JUDEA,...AND
WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS. Note,
baptized in the Jordan, not sprinkled from a basin of water.
Jn 3:23-AND JOHN ALSO WAS BAPTIZING IN AENON NEAR TO SALIM,
BECAUSE THERE WAS MUCH WATER THERE: AND THEY CAME, AND WERE BAPTIZED.
Note, there was MUCH water there. It was not shallow.
Mt 3:16-17-AND JESUS, WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED, WENT UP STRAIGHTWAY
OUT OF THE WATER:...AND LO A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, THIS IS
MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan
and came up out of the water. Have you likewise obeyed God by submitting
to the ordinance of baptism? Is God well pleased with you?
Every time water baptism was done in the New Testament, it
was done by immersion. There is no other biblical way.

7-BAPTISM
IS TO BE DONE IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST

Not
only are you under commandment to be baptized, but Jesus said these words
as He was about to go to be with His Father. Mt 28:19,20-GO YE THEREFORE, AND
TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON,
AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE (obey) ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER
I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. Note the word "and," identifying the Trinity.
By this commandment from Jesus to be baptized in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, the believer is identifying
with the ONE GOD manifested in three, eternally existing Persons. FOR THERE
ARE THREE THAT BEAR RECORD IN HEAVEN, THE FATHER, THE WORD (Jesus), AND THE
HOLY GHOST: AND THESE THREE ARE ONE (or united in one accord)-1 Jn 5:7.
In these last days, many new, false doctrines have come along.
One of them is the belief that there is no Trinity. This teaching denies there
are three, eternally existing Persons of the Trinity. The Apostolic or United
Pentecostals expound this doctrine and are usually identified in that they baptize
in the name of Jesus only. Beware. Do not be led away with the error of these
new doctrines that are springing up in this blind, Laodicean church age. More
information regarding this false doctrine and the Trinity is available. See
the Trinity and Cults.

8-BAPTISM
IS A COMMAND, A MATTER OF OBEDIENCE, FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE

In
Acts 22:16 we read-AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED,
AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD. Here, it is clear--water
baptism after believing on Jesus is a command.
Jesus began His earthly ministry by being baptized. Mt 3:13-15-THEN
COMETH JESUS FROM GALILEE TO JORDAN UNTO JOHN, TO BE BAPTIZED OF HIM. BUT JOHN
FORBADE HIM, SAYING, I HAVE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED OF THEE, AND COMEST THOU
TO ME? AND JESUS ANSWERING SAID UNTO HIM, SUFFER IT TO BE SO NOW: FOR THUS IT
BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Note, John the Baptist made the
statement, "I HAVE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED." All who believe on Jesus
have a need to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
We see in Acts 16:30-33 that as soon as they believed, HE
TOOK THEM THE SAME HOUR OF THE NIGHT... AND WAS BAPTIZED. You are not to be
baptized unless you believe on Jesus and repent; but as soon as you do, you
are to be baptized.
The Bible tells us of Saul (also known as Paul) in Acts 9:18-HE
RECEIVED SIGHT FORTHWITH, AND AROSE, AND WAS BAPTIZED. He did not delay, but
got baptized as soon as he was able.
We see a great baptism, in Acts 2:41, as-THEY THAT GLADLY
RECEIVED HIS WORD WERE BAPTIZED: AND THE SAME DAY THERE WERE ADDED UNTO THEM
ABOUT THREE THOUSAND SOULS. Again, we note there was no delay. Once they believed,
they got baptized.

God’s
Word gives us the example of Philip and the eunuch. Philip would only baptize
him if he confessed he believed on Jesus with all his heart. Some people believe
on Jesus with a head knowledge, but faith or trust is not present. Believing
with all your heart is necessary before water baptism means anything.
Acts 8:35-38-THEN PHILIP OPENED HIS MOUTH, AND BEGAN AT THE
SAME SCRIPTURE, AND PREACHED UNTO HIM JESUS.
AND AS THEY WENT ON THEIR WAY, THEY CAME UNTO A CERTAIN WATER:
AND THE EUNUCH SAID, SEE, HERE IS WATER; WHAT DOTH HINDER (or prevents)
ME TO BE BAPTIZED? He was asking, what was preventing him from being baptized.
AND PHILIP SAID, IFTHOU BELIEVESTWITH
ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. Philip shows clearly, believing with all
his heart was an absolute necessity before he would allow him to be baptized.
AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID, I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.
AND HE COMMANDED THE CHARIOT TO STAND STILL: AND THEY WENT
DOWN BOTH INTO THE WATER, BOTH PHILIP AND THE EUNUCH; AND HE BAPTIZED HIM. AND
WHEN THEY WERE COME UP OUT OF THE WATER…HE WENT ON HIS WAY REJOICING. We see
the words WENT DOWN BOTH INTO THE WATER, and COME UP OUT, clearly depict immersion
baptism. Again, it may be noted there was no delay. The eunuch believed and
immediately baptism followed.
Many people go to be baptized, but they have so little knowledge
of the Bible and of Jesus that they cannot understand or believe on Jesus with
all their heart. In some countries, people may gather in great numbers to be
baptized; yet when each one is questioned, "Who is Jesus?", many do
not understand Who He really is. To many, He is nothing more than a name and
a person they sing about. They have no saving knowledge or faith. They are not
ready for baptism.
Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED;
BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Note, "BELIEVING" must
be in place before water baptism is done; and "believing" is to be
WITH ALL THINE HEART. A person cannot believe on or be baptized into One in
whom they know nothing about. This is the reason the word "baptism"
does not appear a second time after the words BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT.
There is no baptism, if one does not believe on Jesus Christ. Many preachers
and elders wrongly baptize these people without discerning if they believe on
Jesus and understand who He is and what He did.
A person that is baptized must understand and believe with
all their heart. If they do not, then the baptism has no meaning.
They have, in effect, not been baptized.

9-WE
ARE COMMANDED TO BE BAPTIZED, BUT REPENTANCE MUST COME FIRST

God’s
Word tells us we are saved by grace through faith, yet we are under commandment
to be baptized; as we read Peter’s words in Acts 2:38-REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED
EVERY ONE OF YOU. This verse is addressing people that, after having
heard God’s Word, believe on Jesus and are under conviction for their sins.
They now want to know what to do. They are told first to repent. Then
following repentance, baptism is to take place. Also note the verse tells
us that EVERY ONE is to do this.
John the Baptist was baptizing by full immersion in the water.
The disciples of Jesus baptized when they were with Him. After Jesus went to
be with His Father, they continued to baptize believers. As we should see from
God’s Word, a person was not considered a follower of Christ, if they
would not get baptized after believing. If a person refuses baptism,
then there is no reason to think they truly believe on Christ and have repented.
True faith in Jesus and true repentance should lead to being
baptized in accordance with the Scriptures. A wrong attitude may lead a person
to argue and contend with the Scriptures.

10-INFANT
BAPTISM FORBIDDEN

The
Bible commands that all men should repent. The baptism of John is called the
baptism of repentance in Acts 13:24,and 19:4.
The Scripture tells us in Mt 3:6-AND WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM
IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS. Verse 8-BRING FORTH THEREFORE FRUITS MEET
FOR REPENTANCE. Infant or baby baptism, or any baptism that is done
prior to the person believing on Jesus and repenting, is contrary to God’s Word
and of no meaning. A baby or a very young child cannot be baptized according
to God’s Word, as we read, Acts 8:36,37-WHAT DOTH HINDER (or prevents) ME TO
BE BAPTIZED? Philip had preached unto him Jesus and it appears also about baptism.
The eunuch wanted to be baptized, but Philip refused unless one condition was
met. Look at Philip’s reply. AND PHILIP SAID, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE
HEART, THOU MAYEST. The eunuch then said in verse 37-I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST
IS THE SON OF GOD. The Scriptures are clear.
A baby cannot repent. A baby cannot believe. A baby is not
to be baptized. Baby baptism means nothing. It is a deception created by the
adversary. It nurtures a false assurance as one grows up that they are
going to heaven.

11-JESUS
PLACED GREAT IMPORTANCE ON WATER BAPTISM

We
seem to have a picture that the disciples of Jesus spent much time baptizing,
as we read in Jn 4:1,2-WHEN THEREFORE THE LORD KNEW HOW THE PHARISEES HAD HEARD
THAT JESUS MADE AND BAPTIZED MORE DISCIPLES THAN JOHN, (THOUGH JESUS HIMSELF
BAPTIZED NOT, BUT HIS DISCIPLES). This shows the importance Jesus placed on
baptism.

12-WATER
BAPTISM IS ALSO A COMMAND FOR THOSE THAT SPEAK IN TONGUES

Baptism
is a command for every person. Those, in Acts 10:45-48, that had received the
gift of speaking in tongues were also commanded to be baptized in water;
as we read-AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Note
the word "commanded." In Acts 2:38, we are told, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED
EVERY ONE OF YOU.

13-CONFUSION
IS NOT FROM GOD

It
is written, GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION-1 Cor 14:33.
There are many religions and traditions that contradict God’s
Word. It was the same in the days of Jesus. Do not place your hope in a religion,
but place it in the Bible. Do not follow stories that some people tell, which
may cause you to err from the truth.
Some say that you do not have to be baptized, because the
prisoner that hung on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. We note the
command to be baptized, given in Mk 16:16 and Acts 2:38 and others, came after
Jesus rose from the dead. The prisoner died before Jesus rose from the grave.
How could he have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus, when
Jesus had not yet been buried or risen from the dead? He also died before the
Holy Ghost was given. It is written: THE HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN-Jn 7:39;
ref 20:22.
Some say that Paul was not sent to baptize, and this is true;
but his followers did the baptizing. Some might say because Mk 16:16 does not
repeat the word baptize in the second part of the verse that it means it is
not mandatory. Let’s read Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE
SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Some have asked why Jesus
did not say, "He that believeth not and is baptized not?" The answer
is, because we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus. You cannot
be baptized into One in whom you do not believe. Thus, to say HE THAT BELIEVETH
NOT, "and is baptized not" would be incorrect. For if you do not believe
on Jesus, it is not possible to be baptized into His death and resurrection.
Therefore, if a person does not believe, no biblical baptism exists.
Some churches, such as the Quakers, Salvation Army and others
believe the ordinance of baptism is not part of the church today. Still
others, such as the Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and the Christian
Church, believe you are saved by water. They teach baptismal regeneration.
The Mormons baptize for the dead. The Roman Catholic Church sprinkles
its infants and has infant baptismal regeneration. The Presbyterian, Methodist,
Lutheran, Episcopal, and Reformed Churches, traditionally say that sprinkling
baptism is OK. The Scriptures very clearly show that what they do is wrong.Some would say that water baptism is symbolic only; thus,
it is not necessary. It is far more than symbolic as the Scriptures are showing
us. This is why Satan fights so hard against baptism. This is why Satan tries
to cause so much confusion about water baptism and is succeeding.Some say that water baptism is not necessary as it is a form
of works. The next heading should cover this topic.
Satan is a liar. Do not let him deceive you. Obey God’s Word.

14-IS
WATER BAPTISM NECESSARY? WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM’S RELATIONSHIP TO SALVATION, IF ANY?

We
have already seen that believing on Jesus is an absolute essential
for salvation.
We have already seen that repentance is an absolute
essential for salvation.
Now the question, "What about water baptism?"
There is much debate on this subject.
One of the main subjects to be considered in this discussion
is that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ apart from
all works. This statement is absolutely true.It is written, Eph 2:8,9-FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH
FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS,
LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.
Now the questions arise: "Is calling on the name of
the Lord classified as works?" "Is repentance classified as works?"
"Is water baptism classified as works?"
The answer to all three of these questions is no. No where
in the Bible is calling on Jesus, repentance, water baptism, or reading the
Bible classified as a form of works or the works of the Law.
One might say that repentance can certainly be very hard
work, or very difficult. There are certain areas in each of our lives
where the flesh does not want to repent, but the Bible does not classify repentance
as works. It is an act of faith.
It is the same for baptism. Water baptism is a command for
all that repent and believe. It is not classified as "works."
Hearing or reading the Bible might be considered as work
or a chore by some, yet it is not classified as "works" in relation
to working or earning your way into heaven. We need to hear and read God’s Word
to learn more about God. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word.
However, it needs to be emphasized again—water baptism
prior to repenting and believing on Jesus means absolutely nothing at all.

15-DOES
THE BIBLE SAY—BY REJECTING WATER BAPTISM, WE HAVE REJECTED JESUS?

One
might ask the question, "Does the Bible actually say we have rejected Jesus
by refusing to be baptized by water?"
It is written, Lk 7:29,30-AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HEARD HIM,
AND THE PUBLICANS, JUSTIFIED GOD (or acknowledged God’s justice, or God’s way
was right), BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN. BUT THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS
REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD (or God’s purpose or
God’s plan) AGAINST THEMSELVES, BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM (or
by not letting themselves be immersed by him-JNT).
The first part clearly states that ALL THE PEOPLE… ACKNOWLEDGED…GOD’S
WAY WAS RIGHT (NIV) BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN-KJV.
The second part clearly states, THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS
REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD. What is the "counsel of God?"
It is the Word. It is the Bible. What is God’s Word? The Bible clearly
tells us in Jn 1:1 and 1:14 that Jesus is the Word.
Thus, the verse very clearly states, that the Pharisees and
lawyers rejected the Word, which is Jesus. They rejected God.
The next question arises, "How did they reject Jesus?"
The verse clearly states, by BEING NOT BAPTIZED.
Note carefully—JUSTIFIED GOD (or acknowledged God’s way was
right), BEING BAPTIZED. REJECTED…Jesus…BEING NOT BAPTIZED.
By their refusal to be baptized by going into the water,
they rejected Jesus. It was proof they did not believe in their heart or
repent. They rejected God. They REJECTED God’s Word…BEING NOT
BAPTIZED. This clearly indicates that if a person truly believes on Christ
and repents, they will be scripturally baptized. Again, it must be emphasized
that water baptism, by itself, means nothing. One must first come to Christ
through trust and repent.
Lk 18:17-VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE
THE KINGDOM OF GOD (or we might say, God’s Word) AS A LITTLE CHILD SHALL IN
NO WISE ENTER THEREIN.

16-WHY
ARE WE TO GET BAPTIZED?

We
read in Ro 6:3-6,8-KNOW YE NOT, THAT SO MANY OF US AS WERE BAPTIZED INTO JESUS
CHRIST WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH? THEREFORE WE ARE BURIED WITH
HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH: THAT LIKE AS CHRIST WAS RAISED UP FROM THE DEAD
BY THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, EVEN SO WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE
(born-again). FOR IF (please note the word "if") WE HAVE
BEEN PLANTED TOGETHER IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH, WE SHALL BE ALSO IN
THE LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION. Note the words, IF…PLANTED TOGETHER.
How are we planted together with Him? It says, BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM. If
we have not been buried with Him through baptism, how can we expect to be in
the likeness of His resurrection? KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED
WITH HIM (as Jesus went into the grave, we go into the water), THAT THE BODY
OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED....NOW IF WE BE DEAD WITH CHRIST (this is through
being buried with Him in baptism, by going into the water), WE BELIEVE THAT
WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM.
Please note Acts 2:38 again—REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY
ONE. Note, the word "repent" precedes baptism. The verse goes on,
IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. We are baptized into the death and resurrection
of Jesus; thus, we must believe first. The verse goes on, FOR THE REMISSION
OF SINS (Jesus took our sins upon Him); AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF
THE HOLY GHOST. The Holy Ghost descended and lighted upon Jesus like a dove
as He went up out of the water.
Ro 6:9-11-KNOWING THAT CHRIST BEING RAISED FROM THE DEAD
DIETH NO MORE; DEATH HATH NO MORE DOMINION OVER HIM.
FOR IN THAT HE DIED, HE DIED UNTO SIN ONCE: BUT IN THAT HE
LIVETH, HE LIVETH UNTO GOD.
LIKEWISE RECKON YE ALSO YOURSELVES TO BE DEAD INDEED UNTO
SIN, BUT ALIVE UNTO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
What might be a good definition of being "born-again?"
It might be said that being born-again involves putting off the old man and
putting on the new man: our "old man is crucified;" we "are dead
with Christ;" and we begin to walk in the newness of life.
These things are exactly what Romans 6:3-11 has told us occurs
in relation to being baptized.
Note the following items from Romans chapter six and other
verses.

17-WERE
BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST (Ro 6:3)

WERE BAPTIZED INTO
HIS DEATH-Ro 6:3

ARE BURIED WITH HIM
BY BAPTISM-Ro 6:4

IF WE HAVE
BEEN PLANTED TOGETHER IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH-Ro 6:5

OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED-Ro
6:6

THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT
BE DESTROYED-Ro 6:6

IF WE BE DEAD
WITH CHRIST-Ro 6:8

DIED UNTO SIN-Ro
6:10

WASH AWAY THY SINS-Acts
22:16

TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS-Mt
3:15

THE BAPTISM OF (or
as a result of) REPENTANCE-Mk 1:4
All of these above things are related to water baptism, but they also relate
to being born-again.

18-THE
RESULTS AFTER WATER BAPTISM SHOULD BE: (IF
WE BELIEVE ON JESUS AND HAVE REPENTED)

WE...SHOULD WALK
IN NEWNESS OF LIFE-Ro 6:4

WE SHALL BE…IN THE
LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION-Ro 6:5

HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD
NOT SERVE SIN-Ro 6:6

IS FREED FROM SIN-Ro
6:7 (under grace, sin no longer has authority over us unless we yield
to it)

WE BELIEVE THAT WE
SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM-Ro 6:8

DEATH HATH NO MORE
DOMINION OVER HIM-Ro 6:9

LIVETH UNTO GOD-Ro
6:10

RECKON (or consider)…YOURSELVES
TO BE DEAD…UNTO SIN-Ro 6:11

We are ALIVE UNTO
GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD-Ro 6:11

EVEN BAPTISM DOTH
ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH,
BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION
OF JESUS CHRIST-1 Pe 3:21

Very
clearly, these Scriptures are showing us the relationship of baptism to being
born-again. Once again, it must be emphasized that water baptism means absolutely
nothing if a person does not have faith in Jesus Christ and has not repented
of their sins.
Twice the word "if" appears in these verses (Ro
6:5,8). In other words, "if" a person has not been baptized then none
of these things are in place.
He has not been planted together in the likeness of the death
of Jesus. The old man has not been crucified, neither is reckoned to be dead
unto to sin.
If a person has not been baptized after believing and repenting,
then he is not walking in the newness of life after baptism as stated
in Ro 6:4.
Jesus paid our sin debt in full at Calvary.
Our salvation was completely and totally accomplished at
the cross and by His resurrection. Without Jesus, there is absolutely no salvation.
Apart from Jesus, we are dead in our sins.
Jesus sacrificed Himself to put away our sins-ref Heb 9:26.
Jesus was offered to bear the sins of many-ref Heb 9:28.
Jesus bore our sins in His body-ref 1 Pe 2:24.
He died for our sins-ref 1 Cor 15:3.
His blood was shed for the remission of sins-ref Mt 26:28.
We are washed from our sins in His blood-ref Rev 1:5.
We are cleansed from all sin by the blood-ref 1 Jn 1:7.
We are saved by His life-Ro 5:10; and saved through Him-ref
Ro 5:9.

As a result of what Jesus did, we having believed
on Jesus as our only possible hope of salvation; and having by faith
responded to His call by repenting of our sins, we are then to obey God by being
baptized afterward as He commanded. Once we come out of the water, we should
be dead unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Henceforth,
we should not serve sin. We should walk in newness of life by the indwelling
power of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 22:16 we read-AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE, AND
BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Acts 2:38 tells us: REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU…AND
YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST?
It is written, FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL
RIGHTEOUSNESS-Mt 3:15.
We note the words for John’s baptism (being baptized by water)
was the "baptism of repentance" or baptism as a result of repentance.
It is written, Mk 1:4-JOHN DID BAPTIZE IN THE WILDERNESS,
AND PREACH THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCEFOR
THE REMISSION OF SINS.
Lk 3:3-AND HE CAME INTO ALL THE COUNTRY ABOUT JORDAN, PREACHING
THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE FOR THE REMISSION OF
SINS.
Acts 13:24-WHEN JOHN HAD FIRST PREACHED BEFORE HIS COMING
THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF
ISRAEL.
Acts 19:4-THEN SAID PAUL, JOHN VERILY BAPTIZED WITH THE
BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE.

Once
we say a sinner’s prayer, we may appear to be saved, but are we?
Once we believe on Jesus, we may appear to be saved, but
are we?
Once we have repented, we may appear to be saved, but are
we?
Many preachers throughout the world would answer yes to these
questions.
There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe
that only saying a prayer will save us.
There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe
that only believing will save us.
There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe
that only repenting will save us.
There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe
that only being baptized will save us.
There is even a Scripture that could lead us to believe that
only hoping will save us. It is written, Ro 8:24-WE ARE SAVED BY HOPE.
Do the Scriptures show us that a person could be biblically
born-again at the time of coming out of the water of baptism by immersion, but
only IF a person has repented and only IF a person
has put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible?
This needs to be stressed, as many CULTS believe and attempt
to portray that Jesus is not the Messiah come in the flesh. They believe that
He is not Deity. They say and believe that Jesus is something that is not in
accordance with God’s Word. They teach baptismal regeneration.
Jesus Christ is THE WORD. JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH.
Jesus Christ is LORD. FOR BY HIM (and for Him) WERE ALL THINGS CREATED. Jesus
Christ is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
True water baptism comes as a result of believing on Jesus.
True baptism is a result of repentance. It is the correct and biblical
response, prompted by faith, which follows believing on Jesus and turning from
sin.

19-THE
EVIDENCE OF SALVATION IS FRUIT

But
even then, whether or not a person is truly converted cannot be determined until
the evidence of his fruit comes forth. For it is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR
FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20.
Nevertheless, be not deceived. Satan’s ministers look like
the ministers of righteousness-ref 2 Cor 11:15 and deceive many. They look like
they are of God, but they are not. Many Pharisees and religious leaders in the
days of Jesus looked like they were of God, and many people thought they were;
but Jesus clearly showed they were not saved.
Yes, a person may believe on Jesus. He may repent. He may
call on the name of the Lord. He may thereafter go forth and witness, and through
the WORD, others may come to Jesus. The Scriptures have also shown us clearly
that by rejecting water baptism, we reject God’s Word which is Jesus.

20-WHEN
DOES A PERSON RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Mt
3:16,17-AND JESUS, WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED, WENT UP STRAIGHTWAY OUT OF THE WATER:
AND, LO, THE HEAVENS WERE OPENED UNTO HIM, AND HE SAW THE SPIRIT OF GOD DESCENDING
LIKE A DOVE, AND LIGHTING UPON HIM: AND LO A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, THIS
IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. The Holy Ghost descended upon
Jesus in bodily form like a dove, when He came up out of the water after baptism.
This is in harmony with Acts 2:38. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED
EVERY ONE OF YOU…AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. Note what
it did not say. It did not say one would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
upon repenting. Rather, two things are mentioned together. First repenting,
and then baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost would be received.
In Gal 3:2 we read-RECEIVED YE THE SPIRIT BY...FAITH?
The Holy Spirit is received and dwells in us by faith. Thus, when
we are baptized, if we do not have faith in Jesus Christ, water baptism means
absolutely nothing. We cannot be
baptized into Jesus Christ, if we do not believe in Jesus Christ.When does Acts 2:38 say we receive the Holy Spirit? When
does Mk 16:16 say we are saved? It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH AND
IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. The word
"baptized" does not follow "believeth not" because there
is no baptism if a person does not believe.
Are we biblically born-again when we come out of the water?
Are our sins washed away by the blood of the Lamb at the time we come out of
the water?
In 2 Kings chapter 5, when Naaman the leper was told by the
prophet Elisha to dip in the Jordan River seven times and he would be healed
of his leprosy; there was no special power in the water to heal. Rather, it
was his obedience to what the Lord had said to do. And so it is with water baptism.
There is no power in the water or in the act alone.

21-SAVED
BY WATER: BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Now
that the Bible has shown us both how to be baptized and why, the following Scriptures
should be more easily understood.
The Bible tells us in 1 Pe 3:20,21-THE LONG-SUFFERING OF
GOD WAITED IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, WHILE THE ARK WAS A PREPARING, WHEREIN FEW,
THAT IS, EIGHT SOULS WERE SAVED BY WATER. THE LIKE FIGURE WHEREUNTO
EVEN BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING
AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH, BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE
TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. Note, baptism
does not put away the filth of the flesh; however, it does give us the answer
of a good conscience toward God--by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Remember, baptism apart from first believing on Jesus and repentance means
absolutely nothing.

It
is written, 1 Jn 5:8-AND THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH, THE SPIRIT,
AND THE WATER, AND THE BLOOD: AND THESE THREE AGREE IN ONE. The Spirit is that
which God gives. You must have His Spirit, or you are none of His. The water
is the water of baptism that you as a believer are under commandment to do after
you believe on the name of Jesus. The blood is that which Jesus shed for you
at Calvary, which redeems you through your faith. These three bear witness as
a testimony in earth. There are also other opinions as to what the water represents.

22-CAN
OR SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED A SECOND TIME?

There
are some that speak in hostility against being baptized a second time, yet they
themselves, if they travel to Israel and have the chance to be baptized in the
Jordan River may run to be baptized a second time or even a third.
If a person was baptized by sprinkling, he
was never baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized
God’s way.
If a person was baptized before repentance,
then he was not baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs
to get baptized God’s way.
If a person was baptized as a baby, then he
was not baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs to get
baptized God’s way.
If a person was baptized before believing on
Jesus, he was not baptized according to God’s Word. Yes, he needs
to get baptized God’s way.
If a person was baptized

by a cult,

or by any church
or organization that does not believe that Jesus Christ is the Word,
Who became flesh,

or by any that does
not believe in ONE GOD manifested in three, eternally existing Persons of
the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

or by any who believe
that salvation is by works rather than by grace through faith
alone; yes, that person needs to get baptized God’s way.

If
a person was baptized correctly, however, afterward loses his faith in
Jesus and rebels against God (some might say he fell, but others might say he
was never really saved); if he later repents and returns to Jesus,
he needs to again be baptized correctly. It is written, BY FAITH YE STAND-2
Cor 1:24. Should our faith be overthrown and we depart from the faith, then
we are no longer standing by faith. In such cases, yes, we have need
to be baptized, if we repent and return to faith in Jesus.
If a person was baptized correctly, but he went back into
intentional, willful wickedness, such as sex outside of marriage, fornication,
or total rebellion against God; yes, he needs to be rebaptized. It is
written, Ezek 3:20-AGAIN, WHEN A RIGHTEOUS MAN DOTH TURN FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS,
AND COMMIT INIQUITY,…HE SHALL DIE IN HIS SIN, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH
HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED. If he was baptized (baptism, which
is to fulfill all righteousness-ref Mt 3:15), it shall not be remembered.
Ezek 18:21-22-BUT IF THE WICKED WILL TURN FROM ALL HIS SINS
THAT HE HATH COMMITTED,…AND DO THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL SURELY
LIVE, HE SHALL NOT DIE.
ALL HIS TRANSGRESSIONS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, THEY SHALL
NOT BE MENTIONED UNTO HIM:…HE SHALL LIVE.
Again, in Ezek 18:24, we see the same thing. When a person
turns FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND COMMITTETH INIQUITY, AND DOETH ACCORDING
TO ALL THE ABOMINATIONS THAT THE WICKED MAN DOETH, SHALL HE LIVE? ALL HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
THAT HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE MENTIONED. The only righteousness we have is
Jesus. When a person turns from Jesus, all his righteousness shall not be remembered.
This includes water baptism.
Ezek 18:25-YET YE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL.
HEAR NOW, O HOUSE OF ISRAEL; IS NOT MY WAY EQUAL? ARE NOT YOUR WAYS UNEQUAL?
Ezek 18:27,28-AGAIN, WHEN THE WICKED MAN TURNETH AWAY FROM
HIS WICKEDNESS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, AND DOETH THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT,
HE SHALL SAVE HIS SOUL ALIVE.
BECAUSE HE CONSIDERETH, AND TURNETH AWAY FROM ALL HIS TRANSGRESSIONS
THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, HE SHALL SURELY LIVE, HE SHALL NOT DIE.
This is again repeated in Ezek 33:13,14,16-20. These subjects
are dealt with in much more depth under the topic, Salvation:
Can It Be Lost? Some may say, if a person appears to be saved or claims
to be saved, but loses his faith and turns his back on God, he was never saved
in the first place. Regardless of what you believe--if this person turns
from his sins again to Jesus, he needs to be baptized again.

23-TO
CONSIDER

It
is a very common thing among people in this blind generation to make a comment
such as, "I saved ten people" or "ten people got saved when I
led them in a sinner’s prayer." This statement is neither correct or biblical
as the Scriptures have clearly shown us.
The correct way is to say the truth of what actually happened.
"I led ten people in a sinner’s prayer." Many people say a sinner’s
prayer because it just seems like the right thing to do, or because of fear,
or some other feeling; but there is no faith, no repentance, and no water baptism.
To say, ten people got saved, would not be true. Sometimes these statements
are made to impress people. We need to be careful of what we say.

24-BAPTISM
IS NOT

Though
many denominations have their own traditions, baptism is not a ceremony for
membership into a certain church or denomination. Biblical baptism involves
being baptized into Christ; putting on Christ. We identify with Christ. We become
part of His body. As it is written, AND HE (Jesus) IS THE HEAD OF THE BODY,
THE CHURCH-Col 1:18; and again, THE CHURCH, WHICH IS HIS BODY-Eph 1:22,23.

25-THE
CONCLUSION

The
Scriptures clearly show that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from
all works.
The Bible does not classify a sinner’s prayer, repentance,
confessing Jesus, hearing and reading God’s Word, and water baptism as a form
of works. Water baptism is a command to fulfill all righteousness, and as the
answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Biblical baptism is to be done by full immersion in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. In the Bible, water
baptism, confessing one’s sins, and calling on the name of the Lord were interwoven
in Mt 3:6 and Acts 22:16.
Sprinkling baptism and infant baptism are counterfeits. They
are actually no baptism at all.
Water baptism is a command; however, water baptism before
a person repents and before a person believes with all their heart on Jesus,
is no baptism at all. Water baptism comes as a result of repenting and believing
on Jesus. If a person went into adultery, fornication, any sex outside of marriage,
or total rebellion against God after water baptism; it may be a good indication
that true repentance before water baptism was not genuine. Thus, the water baptism
meant nothing.

Some people may want to be baptized just for the sake of being baptized; yet
there is no evidence of repentance or saving knowledge of Jesus from God’s Word
in the person to produce faith. This is not biblical. The baptism has no meaning.
A person is not to be baptized, if they do not believe on
Jesus with all their heart and repent first.
The Bible clearly shows that a person does reject God’s Word
(or Jesus), if they refuse water baptism.
The Scriptures clearly indicate that a person when they come
up out of the water, if they truly believe on Jesus with all their heart and
have repented--they come out into the newness of life. For those that
trust in Christ with all their heart, Acts 2:38 does say--REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED
EVERY ONE OF YOU...AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.
The Bible also tells us that baptism doth also now save us
(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ-ref 1 Pe 3:21.
And we are told, THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH,
THE SPIRIT, AND THE WATER, AND THE BLOOD: AND THESE THREE AGREE IN ONE.
The Bible also gives us very clear indications regarding
water baptism: when it can and if it should be done again.
And finally, it is written, in Gal 3:27-FOR AS MANY OF YOU
AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST. How do we put on Christ?
Note, it does not say baptized, but "baptized into Christ."

26-THE
FINAL PROOF

The final
proof or evidence of salvation is the fruit that comes forth in a person’s
life after repenting, believing (or trusting) on Jesus as their only hope of
salvation, and obedience to the command to be scripturally baptized.